10. Native vs. Non-Native

Native versus non-native colors every aspect of the Hawaiian experience. Some of the main dichotomies are native Hawaiian culture versus non-native, native plants and animals versus invasive species, kingdom advocates versus statehood advocates, a desire to attract tourism dollars versus a resentment of the presence of tourists (in some corners), a need to conserve nature versus a public that demands to experience it, and so on. These tensions range from minor to serious, but acknowledging them is an important step toward understanding and appreciating Hawaii in all its complexity and beauty.